Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was launched in Texas over 35 years ago by scientists seeking effective and environmentally friendly ways to control pests that damaged agricultural crops and livestock. This partnership with nature, which employs biological controls among other methods, has provided a range of proven and practical approaches to handling pest problems not only on the farm, but also around the house, in schools, public buildings, public parks, and elsewhere.

IPM serves Texas agriculture by managing pests without relying solely on costly chemical applications. This helps increase profits for producers, improve the environment, and reduces production risks. Research and Extension efforts are complemented by those of agricultural consultants, industry personnel, and partnering agencies.

Each year Extension IPM agents work with farmers, ranchers and urbanites across Texas, helping them to employ IPM management systems that reap the benefits of years of past management know-how coupled with technology and science.

TPMA serves Texas agriculture by promoting IPM principles through education and demonstration. As an undisputed leader in advancing IPM technologies, the organization seeks to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of addressing pest management issues with proven science.

Since 1972, the Texas IPM Program has made significant progress in helping to solve agricultural pest problems within the state. Pest management methods developed through the program are both affordable and environmentally responsible. Widespread IPM implementation in Texas has resulted in an overall reduction in pesticide use in many crops, transition to less toxic chemicals, increased use of diverse IPM methods and an increase in profits for agricultural producers.

Without a doubt, partnerships have been the key to the success of the Texas IPM program. IPM partners will continue to work together to solve Texans' pest problems.

IPM in Urban Settings

City dwellers can reap the benefits of managing pests with the use of IPM principles.

Urban dwellers can reap the benefits of managing pests with the use of IPM principles as IPM concepts are not only applicable in agricultural settings but within the state's urban areas. The methodology that has been so successful in Texas agriculture is now being put to use in urban settings ... residential subdivisions, parks and recreational areas, public access areas, industry, and in public schools.

Austin residents could easily say, "we have met the polluters, and they are us." Home fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide users are a major cause of water pollution in urban areas and neighborhoods in and around our state ... too much is running off and tainting water supplies. The Texas IPM Program focuses on educating people on the least-toxic approaches to lawn care, with the ultimate goal of reducing the amount of landscape chemicals that seep into waterways and degrade water quality.

The IPM concept can be as simple as taking time to read and follow the label instructions for applying lawn and garden chemicals. It's just good, common sense.

When trying to control pests, schools must take extra steps to keep from harming the other little ones buzzing around the playgrounds and classrooms: our children. The Southwestern Technical Resource Center for IPM in Schools and Daycare Centers is dedicated to keeping schools clean and safe for children.

"Our kids deserve to be protected from both pests and unnecessary pesticide exposure," said Dr. Mike Merchant, urban entomologist at the Texas A&M Center at Dallas. "Unfortunately, public schools are not immune to the disease risks from pests, especially in food service areas. And new studies are showing high incidences of allergies and asthma in young children caused by insects."

However, the wholesale use of pesticides in schools isn't good for students, either. To protect schoolchildren, the Texas Legislature passed a law in the early 1990's requiring that IPM practices be used to manage pests in and around school facilities. The idea to incorporate the principles of IPM in school settings has been endorsed my the state's major environmental organizations and Texas Pest Management Association.

Our Vision

The Texas Integrated Pest Management Program will deliver unbiased, credible, reliable, and timely solutions to pest problems of agricultural and urban customers. The program will continue to educate farmers, ranchers and urban Texans about the benefits of IPM principles ... and how to access and safely use the IPM tools necessary to address pest problems in a an environmentally friendly manner.